A study conducted by Professors at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities examined racial identity among white citizens. The study’s results were released by Paul R. Croll of the University of Minnesota on December 1, 2007. Croll, along with fellow Sociology Professor Doug Hartmann wrote the study. The study, which originally took place during the summer of 2003, examined white racial identity, due to its centrality to whiteness studies. More specifically, the results of the study were analyzed to look at how prejudice, views on diversity and beliefs about America impact the importance of racial identity for whites. The survey was in response to preconceived notions that white citizens lack social awareness.